People in China have donated a combined 1.16 billion yuan (US$155 million) to support relief efforts in areas stricken by snow and rain, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said.

By 6:00 PM Sunday, the ministry had received 85.8 million yuan in direct donations, while the China Red Cross Association and its branch organizations accepted a combined 136 million yuan in donations. The China Charity Federation and provincial governments in the seven most storm-affected areas accepted the rest.

China's eastern, central and southern regions have suffered from prolonged snow and rain storms since mid-January, leaving at least 80 people dead and 100 million people affected in 19 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.

In the past few days, foreign countries and international organizations, such as Bangladesh, Finland, Myanmar and the World Meteorological Organization, expressed their sympathy for Chinese people living in disaster-stricken areas.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japanese government has decided to donate 57 million yen (US$535,000) worth of goods to China. The Malaysian government will donate US$1 million to support people in disaster-hit areas.

The Norwegian government will also provide assistance, according to the ministry.

(China Daily February 12, 2008)